Gjirokastra and Antigonea

Meet the group at hotel lobby. Depart for a daily tour to the main interesting sight as Gjirokastra & Antigonea, ancient city.
Gjirokastra – the “Stone City”, situated in the southern part of Albania only 1 hour far from Saranda city, on the eastern slope of mountain Mali i Gjere. It is a commercial center in South Albania, it produces foodstuffs, leather, and textiles. There are several 18th-century mosques and churches and an old citadel (rebuilt in the 19th cent.) in the town. Dating probably from the 4th cent., Gjirokastër passed to the Turks in the 15th cent. It was captured (1811) by Ali Pasha and was the center (late 1800s) of anti-Turkish resistance. In World War II it was occupied by Italy, Greece, and Germany in succession. What strikes the visitors most in Gjirokastra are its typical and characteristic houses which resemble little fortresses, clustered one above the other. Their exterior combines roughness with the beauty of windows, small rooms and light pillars supporting the roofs protruding from the walls. The most attractive feature is the stone which has been masterfully elaborated by the builders. Once Gjirokastra has been called the “city of one thousand steps” or “the stone city”.
Free time for optional Lunch – (Albanian traditional meal). After Lunch depart to Antigonea.
Antigonea – In this region near the village of Saraqinisht there are the ruins of ancient city of Antigonea. The city was part of Kaonia and dates back to the II century B.C. Antigonea was, thought to be established from King Pirro of Epirus and took its name for the honor of his wife called Antigonea.
After the tour back in the city. Leave the group at hotel lobby.

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